Maro Itoje expressed that it felt “very strange” to observe England’s matches from a distance this summer, yet he advocates for more elite athletes to consider taking breaks to extend their playing careers. The captain of the British & Irish Lions was given rest from England’s three Nations Championship fixtures in July and is now reaping the rewards of having “taken a breath” following a demanding year both on and off the pitch.
In addition to the challenges of leadership for both his club and national team, Itoje suffered the loss of his mother last year. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, national coach Steve Borthwick provided Itoje with the option of a short sabbatical. As a result, he has returned fit, healthy, and mentally rejuvenated for the upcoming season, having participated in his first complete pre-season with Saracens since 2014.
“I have no regrets about my decision,” Itoje remarked during the Premiership media launch at Twickenham. “It was somewhat odd to be away from the team during the games, but I believed it was the right choice. It was a hectic year for me mentally, both personally and professionally, so having some time to relax was beneficial.”
By coincidence, Itoje encountered the England squad at Heathrow Airport as they returned from their South African tour. However, he made an effort to keep his distance, even opting not to watch the matches live to prevent becoming too emotionally invested. “Watching a game live means you’re involved in every moment, every tackle, which can carry a heavy emotional weight. I felt that doing so would undermine the purpose of my break,” he explained.
As he approaches his 32nd birthday next month, Itoje encourages other top players to consider taking similar breaks when possible. He noted that nations like South Africa and New Zealand have long supported their elite athletes in signing contracts in Japan, allowing for rest. “It’s very much dependent on the individual, but for players fortunate enough to be at the peak of their game, a proactive approach like this can be beneficial,” he stated.
“Initially, I was surprised by the suggestion, as it had never occurred to me that it was an option. I had always thought that persevering was the only way. However, the more I contemplated it, the more I realized it was a wise decision. If I hadn’t taken that opportunity, I wasn’t sure when I would have another chance.”
Looking ahead, Itoje aims to begin the Premiership season strongly this month, especially with a busy November schedule ahead. England is set to play four Tests over consecutive weekends, starting with a match against Australia on November 8. A refreshed Itoje is eager to make a significant contribution right away.
“I hope the break has provided me with what I need to return even better,” Itoje remarked. “Since joining the England setup, I’ve participated in nearly every campaign. For a long time, Saracens has been a leading team in Europe, which involves going deep into both European and Premiership competitions, along with Lions tours and selections.”
“I’ve been fortunate in my career, but the trade-off is that breaks are rare. Aside from missing today’s training, I engaged fully in the pre-season with Saracens to focus on my fitness and to bond with the team, which I believe has been advantageous.”
In addition to his rugby commitments, Itoje will soon take on new responsibilities as his wife, Mimi, is expecting their first child. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism about England’s performance during the latter part of their summer Tests under the leadership of his Saracens teammate, Jamie George. “I was thrilled with the last two results,” he commented.
“The victory against Fiji was significant, and the team demonstrated commendable character in the Argentina match away from home. Our challenge now is to build on that momentum as we move forward.”
